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How To Refinish Worn Timber

First you will need to prepare the timber for a new finish. Smooth dents with tinted timber filler and clean out carved decorative features then sand the surface to remove built-up grime and allow the new finish to absorb into the timber.

To finish apply a natural oil with a brush, let it soak for a few minutes then smooth by hand with 120 grit abrasive paper. Apply another one or two coats, sanding lightly in between.

Punch exposed nail heads and use tinted timber putty to fill small holes. Fill larger holes or damaged edges with a mixture of putty, PVA adhesive and matching timber shavings, leave it to dry then sand smooth.

Prepare the surface for finishing by sanding with increasingly finer grits then dust and wipe the timber with a lint-free cloth dipped in methylated spirits, applying a quality oil, stain or lacquer with a brush.